COFFEE WITH THE COMMUNITY: Neighbors are fundamental in preventing criminal acts

Sharing with our neighbors is always a motive for interesting topics. In a new “Coffee with the Community”, burglary to houses and vehicles that have been taking place in Doral, were the topic of conversation and debate in seeking solutions.

Our guests agreed in thinking that insecurity has not increased in the city. “I think these are isolated cases, that they are our own children that, in some way have too much free time, and they begin concocting things. Parents are somewhat blinded and see this as a game, but what they are doing, opening a car and taking an IPod, even if you’re going to throw it away in the corner, is a crime in this country.” This affirmation comes from Mariana Lopez, a Doral resident and active member of the educative communities, who points outs the family role. “We know that it is hard to live in the United States and coming from other cities, especially for those who have been here not too long. That is why it is important to be involved, learn a little about the regulations. Try to include ourselves and not bring the idiosyncrasy of our countries, but understand what we have here and take advantage of it. Be involved with the school. I know it is hard when both parents work, but we have to pay attention to our children, know what they do and what they are doing.”

Increase vigilance

“I would like that the city hires more police officers, because I think there are too few for the rate at which the city is growing. This city is not the same that it was when I arrived 9 years ago. This city has grown in a foaming way.”

Mariana’s wish is shared by Laura Tobi, director of The Art Shack school of art, but she appeals to a shared responsibility. “The police cannot ask for more officers, the community has to do it. So I think that there must be an approach from several angles: the topic of having more police personnel, which for me is an investment. As expensive it may be, it is an investment, because these personnel could develop different programs to generate conscience in the community regarding the respect of the regulations, regarding the consequences of not obeying them, regarding the prevention of drug consumption. It is also important that the residents of Doral feel that approaching the police is not a problem, that they are here to serve us and we should educate our children in that regard.

We have a history almost embedded in our DNA about the police in the countries we come from, and we need to change it. We tend to pass on the things we have learned to our children, without realizing that they are citizens of the United States and have a different relationship with the authority.”

Daniel Muñecas, Lieutenant of the Doral Police Department, attended in representation of the authorities; he made a call of attention to the residents. “You know your neighborhoods better than anyone, so if you see anything strange, call us. If you detect a person who does not belong to the community in the pool area, get in touch with us. Give us the opportunity to do our jobs. It could be a potential drug dealer, so call the police.”

Drugs: a serious problem

“People have to know that the drug issue is a problem of the United States society and to avoid that it reaches our homes, prevention is fundamental.”

But even though Mariana Lopez is a mother for whom this reality is crystal clear, Lt. Muñecas reveals that when the police goes to the communities to speak about this issue, parents do not attend the meetings. For this reason, he believes in replicating the initiative of the Citizen’s Academy but for young people that can be multipliers among their peers.

Times of Change

“I consider that things have changed. More than insecurity, there is a social decomposition in Doral. It is sad, but we as parents are at fault. Many because, unfortunately, have to work, because this is a country that leads you to that, and many others because it is convenient: they believe in the system and they feel that their children are safe in the streets. So there is a part of carelessness from the parents to their children (…) Communication is indispensible, calling our children’s attention, being aware of whom they are with and what they are doing.”

Lisbeth Manrique’s shares her experiences with us, after being in Doral for 20 years.

“I came fleeing the insecurity of my country. More that scarcity, I fled because of the insecurity, and unfortunately it was my turn. Approximately a month ago, my house was burglarized.”

She affirms that there must be more information. “The police should have more communication with the schools, should get closer to the parents. Offer conferences to instruct parents and inform them that every action has consequences. Parents need to learn that not because their children are under aged they will not face consequences for something they do that is wrong. A fusion between the police and society is needed: communication, education, joint work. We are raising new generations and we need to come together to have good men and women in the future.”

Among the proposals that arose in our “Coffee with the Community”, was one that wants to achieve more access for the young people to free sports activities, adapting public spaces where they can stay busy in their idle time.

The ball is in the resident’s court, they must make their demands to the authorities and expect the proper responses from their elected representatives.